Welcome to this page, where useful information for living in Japan is introduced.
The content is updated from time to time, so please feel free to use it as a reference.
Please enjoy reading!
Japanese Language Learning
The best way to improve your Japanese speaking skill is to have conversations with Japanese people.
However, there are several methods you can practice alone at home.
Free Site for Japanese Learning
Here are a few selections I made.
Duolingo
Duolingo is a free app that helps you learn Japanese with fun and easy lessons. I also use it to study Italian.
https://www.duolingo.com/
NHK World Easy Japanese
NHK World is a large website for language learning, and it is especially helpful for learning easy Japanese.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/lesson/english
Google Lens
This is a translation app that lets you capture Japanese text with your camera and provides instant translations.
https://lens.google/intl/ja/
Hi Native
HiNative is an app to learn languages by asking questions. You can ask native speakers about words, grammar, and culture. They answer you with tips and advice.
Hiragana-Katakana Writing Animation
This is a website for Japanese elementary school students that teaches how to write Japanese hiragana and katakana with animation.
https://kyozaidl.nipponhyojun.co.jp/shin1/hirakata-animation/html/choise.html?1_win
Jisho
Jisho is a strong Japanese-English dictionary that helps you find words, kanji, example sentences, and more quickly and easily. Simply type any Japanese or English word into the search box, and Jisho will look through a large amount of information for you.
Make Use of Local Government Information
In your local municipality, there is useful information about daily life and event announcements, so be sure to make use of it. As shown in the image below, you can select your preferred language.
The above image is from the official website of Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
Tourism Video
Here are some Japanese tourism YouTube videos presented in English. More videos will be added occasionally.
Japan Guide
https://www.youtube.com/@japanguide
Setouchi Box
https://www.youtube.com/@setouchibox
*Setouchi means The Seto Inland Sea incl. HIroshima, Okayama, Ehime, and Kagawa etc.
Useful Words for Shopping
Here are the essential minimum phrases needed for shopping.
| Japanese (Romaji) | English | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Konnichiwa | Hello | A greeting used when meeting someone |
| 〇〇 wa arimasu ka? | Do you have 〇〇? | Asking if an item is available |
| Ikura desu ka? | How much is it? | Asking the price of an item |
| Mou ichido itte kudasai | Please say that again | Requesting someone to repeat what they said |
| Arigatou gozaimasu | Thank you very much | Expressing gratitude |
More information will be added in the future.
Thank you!
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